Wizard: Unlimited Profession Slots Chapter 714 - 333: Sand Sea School (2)

Everyone realized that the Black Mist School's desperate situation, combined with the total ruin of the 'Bloodline Altar,' a key trial area, meant the typical response would probably dispatch them—the 'failures'—to far more hazardous spots.

'Everyone thinks you were involved in this,' Hayek said bluntly. It wasn't an interrogation but an assertion:

'Given Tower Master Cassandra's usual way of handling things, she wouldn't offer us these advantages without cause.'

In response to the deputy headmaster's straightforward question, Ron didn't refute it:

'I did propose a couple of ideas. The advice I got from all of you during my time in the Black Mist Jungle proved priceless. Providing some assistance within my power was simply the right thing to do.'

His voice remained steady and matter-of-fact, like he was chatting about a routine scholarly topic:

'Besides, the Quicksand Lands truly offer a better setup for research that helps us all.'

This no-nonsense attitude proved more persuasive than any passionate speech.

All those gathered could sense Ron's genuine intent, but they also grasped that this youth had advanced to where he could shape their fates.

'Young one, you've outpaced us all,' Hayek's words held a note of solace:

'I learned you got named interim associate for the 'New Star Plan'? From what I recall, that kind of role goes only to Moon Level core figures.'

'Yes,' Ron confirmed shortly, offering no further details.

The intricate ties between him and Cassandra clearly weren't fit for discussion in this setting.

'Then stay vigilant,' Magnus interjected abruptly, alerting the group as the next senior alchemist after Hayek:

'While the Conquest Plan brings huge prospects, its death toll is shockingly steep. Word is, in Tower Master Cassandra's prior conquest, a third of the core participants never made it back.'

'That included veteran Moon Level wizards,' Yuni chimed in, a trace of dread in her violet gaze:

'The perils of the Otherworld surpass what we can picture. Even those apparently feeble locals might wield strange abilities we can't fathom.'

Ron absorbed these cautions in silence, mulling over the secrets the King of Illusions had unveiled in his thoughts.

The Conquest Plan's real aim was far more intricate and risky than its outward appearance suggested.

Yet he absolutely couldn't divulge such profound insights to the others.

'I'll proceed carefully.'

He answered concisely, then steered the talk to another issue:

'How's Master Soron faring? I saw he didn't show up?'

Bringing up that name made the mood turn somber.

Hayek paused briefly before replying:

'Soron has been tasked with remaining in the Black Mist Jungle to watch the Abyss leakage site for a decade.'

'Ten years...' Holt whispered, his eyes showing pity:

'Dealing with that corruption and threat solo, even as an Official Wizard...'

'Still, relative to worse fates, this counts as mild discipline.'

Magnus's expression hardened further:

'Per the Crystal Tower's longstanding rules, guardians guilty of major mishaps from neglect face the harshest fate of 'soul imprisonment.' Endlessly scorched and purified in the 'Sinner’s Vault'—that's genuine endless agony.'

This savage punishment scheme chilled everyone there.

The Crystal Tower was infamous for its icy, merciless stance toward regular wizards, where a single error could spell ruin.

'Keeping his full mind and autonomy is already Soron's finest result.'

Yuni spoke with a tone of relief after disaster:

'Plus, if he finishes the duty unscathed after ten years, he might reclaim his status.'

As their discussion progressed, each person's future roles came into sharper focus:

Hayek would take on academic director duties at the Sand Sea School and lead the environmental alteration research initiative;

Yuni would dive deeper into elemental convergence studies, with the Quicksand Lands' unique elemental setup offering perfect grounds for her work;

Magnus would stick to his classic duties, testing newbie alchemists in Magic Potions, and he'd tweak the assessments to fit certain rare resources from the 'Quicksand Lands';

Newly promoted Official Wizard Holt would build practical skills in an entry-level teaching role while refining his mastery over his abilities.

'To each their own journey.' Ron lifted his cup, his words earnest:

'Even though we'll separate shortly, it's no conclusion. Making the most of our talents on individual routes honors our shared history best.'

'To each their own journey...'

Hayek echoed the phrase, emotion swelling:

'True, under these circumstances, us elders now get to return to a secure haven for our studies, while you...'

He regarded Ron intently:

'Your selected route is bound to be the riskiest. Conquest Plan core members confront not just Otherworld hazards but also all sorts of inner conflicts.'

'Yet it's the sole way to advance at top speed.'

Ron's tone stayed even, but the resolve inside let all feel his mature poise:

'I'm already caught in the tempest; for me, security and growth can't coexist anymore.'

This starkly practical view plunged everyone into reflection.

'Regardless, I'll hold onto the school hall's motto—Per aspera ad astra (Through hardships to the stars).'

Ron scanned the faces around him:

'Chase wisdom, hold to logic, carve out a spot in this turbulent realm.'

'Us old-timers who've endured this long surely have our guiding principles.'

Hayek shook his head:

'And I trust you, Ron, will stick to that ethos; amid lures and perils aplenty, clinging to your core resolve outstrips gaining strength.'

With night falling further, the meetup drew to a close, but nobody rushed to bid farewell.

'It's late now.' In the end, Ron disrupted the quiet equilibrium:

'You all have vital duties come morning, so we'll say goodbye here.'

He rose, giving a straightforward nod to the group:

'Thanks for your past mentorship. Reach out if you ever need aid.'

'Same to you, lad.' Hayek got to his feet too:

'We might not match your might, but our wisdom and ties could prove handy in pivotal times.'

The parting was quick and subdued.

No overblown feelings showed, yet the sorrow in their gazes shone plain.

This muted style of showing sentiment was wizards' special form of connection.

Strolling back solo, his feelings were remarkably serene.

A faint loneliness started to creep into his core.

Overhead, stars gleamed with cold detachment.

In remote star systems, myriad societies ascended or crumbled, endless minds fought or gave in.

And he, a mere speck in this boundless cosmos, sought his bearing amid the turmoil.

'No matter the tininess, every stellar trail reaches its close.'

Back at the workshop, Dale slumbered on in the Crystal Pool, her shift still in progress.

Ailan sorted through lab notes, her verdant form gently moving beneath the Magic Crystal Lamp.

'Master, did the meetup go smoothly?'

The tree spirit keenly picked up on the slight shift in his mood.

'It was fine,' Ron said curtly, 'The instructors have all secured good positions.'

'Wonderful, then.'

Ailan didn't press, knowing as his devoted aide the right times to question or stay quiet.

At his desk, Ron pondered tomorrow's agenda:

'Tomorrow marks the set date for swapping knowledge with Eve, and we can handle Franka's bloodline specimen gathering too, seeing as it'll be at least a month till we revisit the Central Lands after departing for the Abyssal Observation Station in a few days.

'Unsure if Cassandra will appear...'

Dwelling on that enigmatic, brilliant sorceress, Ron let out a breath.

He preferred not to tangle with her excessively just yet, but he wouldn't allow such trifling sentiments to stall his experiments.

Gathering fresh bacterial specimens was vital for his coming advances in bloodline research.